Emmanuel College Presents "Big River" as Spring Musical

Show times are March 23, 24, 30 and 31 at 7:30 p.m. and April 1 at 2 p.m. in the John W. Swails Center. “Perhaps one of the best things about Big River is that as powerful and inspiring as it is, it's also just downright funny,” says Director Stephanie Garrett. “I think people who come to see the show have a lot to look forward to, and I think they will enjoy the fruits of our hard work as much as we do!” Garrett says.

Twain’s timeless classic sweeps us down the mighty Mississippi River as the irrepressible Huck Finn, played by Thomas Barnette, helps his friend Jim, played by Jimmy Whelchel, a slave escaping to freedom at the mouth of the Ohio River. Their adventures along the way are hilarious, suspenseful and heartwarming.

“Huck is so adamant at the beginning of the play about leaving St. Petersburg, Mississippi,” Garrett explains. “He wants to get away from the holier-than-thou tone of the town, and I think deep down he knows that a place that can preach holiness but practice prejudice isn't really as holy as it seems. Of course, he also wants to get away from his debauched father, Pap Finn, played to disgusting perfection by Dr. Scott Ellington, a ministry professor at Emmanuel College.”

General admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-12, and free for children 4 and younger. For more information, please call (706) 245-7226.